Ice Q
So what happened with ice q? I don't really play many game modes. Yet I don't really see it being shown off at all. Did I miss something? What was it's point? I am just curious not hating. Just gene...
Forum Discussion
The biggest difference I've seen is the AI actually making accurate passes off the boards. They're also much better at reading where you're headed and passing to you in-stride. However, there's no Ice-Q U.I. that signals to the player the new 'tech' is being used, so it generally goes unnoticed. Plus, most users who play with Ai-controlled teammates have zero patience and constantly call for the pass from the ai, so the average user thinks there have been no improvements at all. I'd argue there was, but not enough to warrant it to be promoted as some kind of new feature.
Like RSall14 said, it was basically some modest AI improvements wrapped up in marketing speak.
I'm old enough to remember "Blast Processing" for Sega Genesis so I take Ice-Q with a grain of salt. It does seem that the AI is better at leading you on the rush and hitting you with a pass. I also see them in better spots to receive a back door pass. With regards to goalies, they do flop to a lesser degree than NHL 25 (admittedly very low bar). That said, it feels like defensive AI is untouched. They will still allow themselves to be raced around with no attempt at poke or hit.
They will still allow themselves to be raced around with no attempt at poke or hit.
I think this is by design, to be honest. In 1V1 modes like HUT and OVP, it was clear EA intended for people to learn that you need to control your D and you need to make the switch from controlling a forechecker to the D-man quicker than previous years.
However, in a mode like WoC, sometimes teams don't/can't find a human D and need to lean on the CPU. When you combine the muted nature of the defence with things like Wheels and people maxing SPD and ACC, CPU D is essentially useless.
That said, we can't have people relying on CPU-D. 'Skill-Zoning' was the entire reason for introducing muted CPU defenders. But EA needs to find a balance here. Allow the D to at least keep pace with incoming forwards and use their skill stick to slow the puck carrier and allow the human forwards to backcheck.
Of course, CPU-D don't fall victim to being burned if the team in front of them limits straight-line speed of the opponent, not allowing them a clear unobstructed path to generating the speed required but I digress
They need to make different AI slider sets for each mode. D men shouldn't be getting walked on WoC, it just rewards all the players who use the EA pre builds with red wheels and other x factors that go over the 100 AP limit.
D men shouldn't be getting walked on WoC,
Like I always say, you can mitigate your CPU D being walked in WoC by not allowing your opponent to generate straight-line speed through the neutral zone. Typically, clubs playing with CPU D think it's a bailout and are often 3-high in the o-zone, leaving the opponent free and clear to generate the speed through the neutral zone to burn by a CPU D.
I think the intention here by EA is to force the humans to play defensively if they don't want to/can't find humans to play D. The last thing EA wants is the CPU D to act as a bailout mechanic. That's been the trending theme in EA's games over the last few years for sure - a more active approach to defending yields the best results.
Featured Places
NHL 26 General Discussion
Join the community forums and discuss the latest news and game information around NHL 26.Community Highlights
- EA_Aljo1 year ago
Community Manager
